The heat hazard designation was first introduced in the regulations for the 2025 season and was used for the first time at last year’s Singapore Grand Prix. | Photo Credit: AFP

Formula One’s governing body has declared a heat hazard for this weekend’s Austrian Grand Prix at the Red Bull Ring in Spielberg, marking the first time the designation has been used this season.

Race director Rui Marques said the official weather forecast predicts temperatures exceeding 31 degrees Celsius (88 degrees Fahrenheit).

Under the heat hazard protocol, teams must fit a driver cooling system, such as a liquid-cooled vest. However, drivers are not required to use the equipment and may instead opt to carry a ballast penalty. The minimum weight of the car is increased to accommodate the cooling hardware.

The heat hazard designation was first introduced in the regulations for the 2025 season and was used for the first time at last year’s Singapore Grand Prix, before being applied again at the United States Grand Prix in Austin later that month.

Sunday’s race is the eighth round of the championship, with 19-year-old Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli leading the standings.

Published on Jun 25, 2026